FAQs

FAQs

1. What types of projects does CIIRDF fund?

CIIRDF provides funding to innovative industrial research and technology development projects in all scientific and technological sectors. Eligible projects must be jointly conducted by a team of Israeli and Canadian companies, take place in Canada and Israel primarily, and have a reasonable potential for commercial success.

CIIRDF welcomes R&D project proposals with a non-defence/military application in all technology sectors, however special consideration will be given to projects in:

Aerospace

Agriculture and Processed Foods

Financial Services

Information, Communication Technologies

Life Sciences

Oil and Gas

Sustainable Technologies

Our portfolio projects are detailed on our website and provide a good idea of the broad scope of projects we have funded.

2. Does CIIRDF take ownership in my company or Intellectual Property in exchange for funds?

No, CIIRDF does not retain equity nor do we take ownership of any intellectual property developed through our contribution to a bilateral R&D project.

3. What is the scope of a typical CIIRDF-funded project?

CIIRDF funds research and development projects that are beyond proof-of-concept but is still pre-commercial. CIIRDF funded projects typically fall in one of these two categories:

Joint Innovative Industrial Research: Planned research or critical investigation aimed at the discovery of new knowledge that may be useful in developing new products, processes or services, or improving existing products, processes or services.

Joint Pre-Competitive Development: Translation of industrial research findings into a plan, blueprint or design for new, modified or improved products, processes or services; conceptual formulation and design of products, processes or service alternatives; initial demonstrations and prototypes; and other related pre-production activities.

Canadian for-profit companies that are registered and operate in Canada; and

Israeli for-profit companies that are registered and operate in Israel

Lead applicants from Canada and Israel must be two legal entities independent of each other, meaning that neither is under the direct or indirect control of the other or under the same direct or indirect control as the other.

Please note:

Public sector organizations, such as universities and research institutions, are eligible to participate in R&D projects as subcontractors or consultants

Funds can not be provided to a federal laboratory or a federal government employee.

5. How long is the application process?

On average 3-4 months are required from the initial submission of the application through to final approval of funding for applicants that provide high quality submissions and satisfy the requirements for contracting in a timely manner.

6. How much funding can I request for my project?

The CIIRD Program funds up to $800,000 per project or 50% of the research and development costs of technology-based products and processes (whichever is less). The awarded amount will be divided between two co-applicants (Canadian and Israeli companies) based on the relative share of their contribution to the total project budget. Example:

Budget

Award

Canada Co

$550,000

$275,000

Israel Co

$750,000

$375,000

Total

$1,300,000

$650,000

7. Can I use for other government programs if I have CIIRDF funding?

Yes. CIIRDF allows up to a maximum of 75% government funding (from any level) for a project.

8. How long does it take to enter into the Funding Agreement with CIIRDF once I’ve been approved for funding?

It varies, but it can take anywhere from 1-4 months to contract. Time to contracting is dependent on the time it takes for two lead companies (a Canadian company and an Israeli company) to conclude a Cooperation Agreement. We recommend that two lead companies agree on how to settle the obligations and rights of each partner prior to the application.

9. Once approved, how are the funds disbursed to me?

The Cooperation and Project Funding Agreement (CPFA) includes milestones that represent a specified time period with identified deliverables and associated budget. At each milestone (typically 3-4 milestones during the entire period), a team must report on the progress made during that period and the expenses incurred toward the completion of those activities. CIIRDF will reimburse 50% of the expenses incurred.

10. What types of costs are allowed in a project budget?

Project costs must be directly related to, and necessary for, the implementation and conduct of a project, and will include:

Salaries and benefits

Professional, scientific, technical and contracting services

Reasonable travel costs that are directly related to the Project, including meals and accommodation.

Reasonable depreciation, rental or leasing expenses of qualifying equipment, its installation, testing and commissioning, and materials. The cost for equipment purchase is not recognized.

Overhead expenditures (up to 15% of the project budget)

11. What obligations do I have to CIIRDF after project completion?

CIIRDF requires recipients to report on sales and commercialization progress once a year starting one year after the project completion for typically for 5-7 years.